Wave Hello and Don't Be a Noggish

Selah has started waving! She was doing it sporadically for the last week, but Wednesday at church it was really obvious. It is too cute, she just grins from ear to ear and waves like crazy when you say "Hi!" to her. (Right hand only, by the way!) She also has gotten up her hands and knees, but instead of rocking she just flops her legs out and screams. I'm not sure what about it is making her so angry! She much prefers just sitting up, so she doesn't get much practice with crawling/scooting. She howls when I put her on her tummy, so for the most part I don't fight her. She'll crawl when she's good and ready.

Elianna's new fave phrases are, "I don't font to!" (I don't want to) and "I cahn't do it." ("I can't do it," complete with a British accent.) And if these don't work, if you ask her to do something that she doesn't want to do, she sits down with this exasperated look and says, "I'm just takin' a bwake." (A "break," to the lay person.) This "bwake" will last until she thinks you've forgotten what you asked her to do, which I unfortunately have a tendency to do. She has an amazing vocabulary for her age - which can be both good or bad! One of my favorites was once when Chad was teasing me one day. (Yes, I know it's hard to imagine Chad being annoying.) I was yelling at him to stop and leave me alone, and Elianna puts her hands on her hips and says, "Daddy, top bein' a noggish!" We about died laughing when we figured out she was saying, "Daddy, stop being obnoxious!" (Yes, I'm a mean mom, I use that word a lot.)

Busy Busy Busy

Wow, what a week this has been!!!! We have been running NON-STOP. Here's a quick run-down:

Monday: My parents had a BBQ, and we also had Chad's parents over. The guys played horseshoes, which I briefly attempted. When I realized the neighbors property and pets were in danger, I decided to end my horseshoe tossing career. Chad's family introduced us to croquet, though, which I did like! I felt like a snooty Englishwoman and managed to NOT lose almost every game. (It was close - Eric and I battled fiercely for last place.) My dad made these yummy teriyaki pork burgers with apples, onions, and a grilled pineapple. Dee-lish.

Tuesday: I took Elianna to a park with a structure designed for her age. She completely ignored it and played the entire time on the other structure, which was for 5-12 year-olds. We ran into an old friend/co-worker of mine, and set up a date to meet at a splash park not too far away. Sounds like fun - we can't wait to check it out. (Especially as HOT as it's been - yick.)

Wednesday: We got out early (for us) and visited a friend, Cherie, (and her family) whom I hadn't seen in a year and a half!! Elianna was terrified of their dog at first, but once she warmed up to them all she had a blast. I may start teaching piano again - Chad and I are still mulling this one over... If so, two of Cherie's kids will be taking them from me again. I also have had a few other inquiries, so we shall see...

Thursday: Our weekly playdate with Jen and the munchkins! We all tried to cram into Elianna's infant pool, and I have had to come to the conclusion that she has officially outgrown it! The kids were so crowded they could only stand in it. We've decided that Water Fun Day will be at Jen's house next week. (And I'll have to spring for a bigger kiddie pool.) Oh, and there is nothing more miserable than nursing when it is that blasted hot out. Jen and I were both ready to starve our poor babies - we were dying!

Soooo, needless to say, I am beat!!! And now, I have to prepare for our trip up north to visit G-ma and G-pa!! At least I'll get to relax up there for a bit... maybe. (Depends how awful my kids behave!)

Memorial Day

Our pastor served two tours in Vietnam, but he rarely talks about it. He may mention a story here or there, but for the most part you can tell it is something he does not enjoy reliving. Maybe that is why it made this story so much more poignant.

Why didn't I die in Vietnam? He asked that question, and there was just silence. I served in the Marine Corps. We did our duty, all of us, but some got blown up, some got killed or maimed for life. Why didn't I die in Vietnam? Why did God let me live, while I watched the guy on my right get his arm blown off and the guy on my left's head blew up. We were all doing what we were supposed to be doing, but some never returned, or returned scarred. I asked myself over and over why God chose to let me live, and why he took the next guy. When they were airlifting me out, bullets were whizzing at the helicopter. Some guys were even shot as they were leaving, and I wondered if God had preserved me this long only to die in the helicopter on my way out. I survived the flight, and was so excited to be going home. My son had been born the day after I shipped out, and he was 15 months old before I ever saw him in person. I stepped onto American soil, and there were crowds waiting to meet me. Crowd carrying signs and chanting "Baby Killers!" It took me three days to get a flight home, since they were bumping anyone in uniform first. I refused to take off my uniform. I chose to wait. All I tried to do was my duty, and people treated me like a criminal, a murderer. Let's make sure that doesn't happen again.

That was all he said. By this point in the story, we were all teary-eyed. I'm so glad we have come a long way as a country since the Vietnam War as far as not punishing the military when we disagree with the government. No matter what your viewpoint is on the war or politics in general, let's support the men and women in uniform who are doing their duty. They've sacrificed so much, let's honor them and let them know HOW MUCH we appreciate them!

Creation Museum

This looks really cool - I have read a few of Ken Ham's books and have really enjoyed his work. I also get a laugh out of the opposition (and condescending tone of the journalism) toward the Creationist Scientists. It cracks me up how, even though evolution is the more widely taught and supported, they just can't handle anyone putting forth an alternate opinion. Really, if you're that strong in what you believe, why should you care if someone else makes a museum of what they believe? There was also a video link on the left side, see if you can find it. It was really interesting. I'd love to see this museum!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070526/us_nm/usa_museum_dc

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070520/ts_alt_afp/uspoliticsreligion;_ylt=AiAFa4bFZLcu4K0MAoqA57YXIr0F

EDITED TO ADD: I can't find the video link anymore - Sorry! If I find it, I'll add that link as well.

Family Day Out!!

We had grand ambitions of all the yard work we were going to get done today... but it started drizzling this morning and hadn't let up by 11:00. (It ended up raining all day!!) So, Daddy gets a great idea: "Let's go to the museum!" It was spur of the moment, but we clearly weren't going to get anything done outside at home. So, we got ready, loaded up the car, and took off.
On a funny note, we took a wrong turn on the way there. I'm sure it was coincidence, but when we turned, Elianna (who has only been to this museum once before) started yelling from the back seat, "Toon awound! (Turn around) Toon awound - go back to See-yum! (museum)" A few blocks later, we realized she was right - we had turned the wrong way!! Too funny... and kind of scary if she really knew we were going the wrong way.

Both girls loved the water - we stayed here the longest

Selah really enjoyed the Infant Play Area

EEEWWW - Germs!! (Like she cares.)

Elianna cooking up grub in the kitchen

Time for a snack
Hmmm, if Daddy can do it, so can I!

Anybody there?
Elianna loves making MOO-sit (Music)

A little quiet time looking out the window, pondering the cosmos

Matching Dresses

... while they'll still let me! Aunt Sarah bough them these dresses while I was still preggers, and they looked so cute in them when we went to visit Grandma & Grandpa Smith. (They were also wearing them when we ran to the grocery store, and this little girl in line behind us goes, "Look, Mommy, they're twins!" I had to laugh, since they don't look anything alike other than the dresses!)

Hawaiian (Colombian) Princess

We went shopping for a bathing suit, and initially I had the great idea of letting Elianna pick out her own this year. We walked up to the rack, and I said, "Which one do you like?" She walked around, surveyed her options, then picked up a baby onesie and says, "Awwwww, baby jammies!" Yeah, adorable, but can we focus here? "Let me rephrase the question... which bathing suit do you like?"
Elianna: "La-la no like it. Suits lucky." (lucky = yucky)

Mommy: "They are not yucky. What about this one?" I held up a really cute retro looking bikini, my personal favorite.

Elianna: "It lucky. Awwww, teeny baby jammies!" She pulls off another onesie. (They were on the same rack, just around the corner.)

Mommy: "What about this one with Dora?"

Elianna: "Do-do lucky."

Mommy: "What about Nemo?"

Elianna, "No Nemo. No like suits, it lucky."

Mommy (getting annoyed): "Pick a suit, or we are going home!!"

So, she runs over and picks, literally, the ugliest suit there. It's this cheap, nerdy nautical looking one with loud stripes, polka dots, and this big anchor. She tosses it at me, then runs over and continues pointing out (and carrying around) all the cute baby clothes. I was torn - should I get the hideous one and ruin our pictures for the summer, or interevene and not let her make the decision. I intervened, partly because I couldn't handle that ridiculous thing and partly because she clearly couldn't care less anyway. Then, I noticed the grass skirts. I held that one up and asked her, "What about this one with a grass skirt?" That got her attention. It was big, bright and rustled loudly. "La-la like it!!!" Music to my ears. (I then realized that this was just a TINY taste of what shopping for clothes with two picky girls will be like. I am really in for it!!!) At least this time it ended peacefully, and although neither of us got our first choice we were able to settle on a compromise. We got home, got her lathered up with sunscreen and had our first "water fun day" outside!

I've Got The Scoop!!!

I had to wait to get permission from the concerned parties, but now that I do...

We just got the good news - Sarah and Eric are engaged! Well, to get Dad's official blessing he has stipulated that Eric finish school... but that is a big priority to them. (I guess Eric's mom said the same thing - finish school and get marriage counseling! Those were her main stipulations!) Sarah got her ring back, and now it actually fits. (It was so big at first, it slid right off... not good!)

Anyone who has seen them together knows that they are soul mates - they are so much alike it is scary. (But different enough to get along without killing each other!) I just can't believe all they are in store for, but we are so happy for them. You just wish there was a magic wand you could wave to make it easier for them, but they will have to hit all the bumps and potholes along the way just like everyone else... Let's keep them in our prayers and we wish them all the best!!!

P.S. They are both unhappy with the dorky picture, but it's the only one I have. I'll change it when I get a better one!!

Birth Order Facts

I know we've all heard these, but they are just too funny to pass up. Sadly, I was doing a lot of the "child #3" things already with my first!!!

First Child: You begin wearing your maternity clothes as soon as your doctor confirms the pregnancy.
Second Child: You put off wearing maternity clothes and try to stay in your regular clothes as long as possible.
Third Child: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the birth

First Child: You practice your breathing exercises religiously.
Second Child: You don't bother with the breathing exercises, since they didn't help last time.
Third Child: You request your epidural be administered in your eighth month.

Baby's Layette

First Child: You pre-wash everything in baby detergent, then color-coordinate, fold and organize it all neatly in baby's dresser.
Second Child: You're pretty sure the clothes are clean, and you discard the ones with the really dark stains.
Third Child: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Worries

First Child: You pick up your child at the first sign of distress, whether a frown or a whimper
Second Child: You pick up your child when the wails might wake up the first child.
Third Child: You teach the older children how to re-start the swing.

Pacifier

First Child: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you pack it away till you can get home and boil it.
Second Child: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with the baby's bottle.
Third Child: If the pacifier falls on the floor, the child will have to wrestle the dog to get it back. To clean it, you wipe it on a clean part of your shirt, if you can find one.

Diapers

First Child: You change the diaper every hour, no matter what.
Second Child: You check the diaper every couple hours and change as needed.
Third Child: You change the diaper when it sags to their knees or people complain about the smell.

Activities

First Child: You take your baby to Infant Gymnastics, Infant Play Group, and Infant Story Time
Second Child: You take your baby to an occasional Playgroup
Third Child: You only take your infant with you out of the house when you absolutely have to.

Time Away

First Child: The first time you leave the baby, you call to check on them at least five times.
Second Child: You remember to jot down your cell number on your way out the door.
Third Child: Your instructions are explicit - Call only if there is blood.

At Home With Baby

First Child: You spend a good part of your day playing with, and gazing lovingly at, your baby.
Second Child: You spend a good part of your day making sure the older child doesn't pinch, poke, hit or in some way terrify the younger child.
Third Child: You spend at least a small part of your day hiding from your children.

When Your Child Swallows Coins

First Child: You take them to the ER and demand X-rays.
Second Child: You carefully watch for the coins to pass.
Third Child: You deduct it from their allowance

Singing Cups and Noosing Babies

Daddy and Elianna were playing when she was overcome with thirst. She grabbed her sippy and started chugging. She drank so long and hard, the pressure didn't have time to equalize. So when she set the cup down, it made this whistling sound. She looked at the cup, looked at Chad and laughed her "old man" laugh that sounds like, "huh-huh, huh-huh" and said, "La-la's cup is singing!" She's such a goof!

Later when she and Selah were playing on the floor, Selah was getting kind of whimpery and whiny. I sat down next to Selah and asked, "What's wrong, Sweetie? Why are you sad?" Elianna looked at me with a sigh and said, "Mommy, Sissy just wanna noose!" (Noose=Nurse) Her expression said it all, like, "Duh, Mom what else does she ever want!"

Runaway Child

It was bound to happen - every parent hears this at some point from their child. I wasn't expecting it this soon, though! Elianna was just finishing up on the potty, and decided that she wanted to go commando. I told her to come here, she ran away squealing. I was not in a very playful mood, so I told her to come here this instant... or else. She crossed her arms, gave me a dour look and said, "La-la running away!" Of course, she can't say her "r's" or "l's" so it sounded more like "La-la wunning afay!" Now, she literally meant she wanted to run away and have me chase her, but it just sounded like the typical childhood threat, "I'm running away from home!"

Some Quality Gardening Time With My Daughter...

...is NOT how it turned out. Well, it was my own fault, really, since I had been in a state of sleep-deprived crabbiness all day. For whatever reason, I decided it was time to plant some impatiens in the flower box on Elianna's playhouse. Selah was whimpering less loudly than she had been (she still is not feeling so hot and had a rough night last night) so I had taken Elianna outside for some fresh air. Again, this was not wise. I am also fighting a cold now, so my patience reserve is not only dangerously low, I think it's all dried out and there are cobwebs strewn around. But, the impatiens were getting a bit shriveled waiting to be planted, so I figured, "How hard can it be???" I told Elianna, "Let's go plant some flowers!" and her little face just lit up. See, so far so good. So, I walked over to the playhouse and tried to take down the flower box. I wiggled and tugged and yanked and the darn thing wouldn't move. It just slides on, so what's the problem?! I climb up the ladder to inspect it from inside the playhouse, and there are two shiny new wood screws gleaming at me. I set the flowers down and threaten Elianna about ten times, "DO NOT touch the flowers. Wait for Mommy." Blah, blah blah. I dig around in the garage till I find the drill, and then I can't get the bit out. I pull, I twist, I beat the drill against a tree... it's not coming out. So I call Chad. "Why on earth did you screw the flower box to the wall?!?!" are the first words he hears. "Um, that's what the directions said to do." That's the best answer he can come up with, and I don't have the energy to argue. Although, I do manage to point out that it would make more sense to screw it in AFTER the flowers are planted... but I digress. I asked him how to change the bit, and explain all the things I've done to get it out. Silence. After a pause, he tells me, "The bit that's in there is the one you want." I guess I should have checked that, but I don't answer. The whine of the drill is all he hears to let him know I am unscrewing the flower box. With the bit that was already in there. We get off the phone before we get into an argument over something as dumb as a flower box. I set the phone down and discover Elianna has decided to take matters into her own hands. She didn't just touch the flowers, she pulled them out and was in the process of tearing the root balls into pieces. I started ranting and raving and lecturing her on the proper care of plants and the life expectancy of disobedient children, but none of it interested her. So, I cut it short, and we climbed down to find some potting soil. I looked everywhere, lost patience, grabbed a shovel, and dug a hole in the yard. Hey, it's dirt. It works. Elianna was especially delighted by this development, and also began digging. We put some dirt into the box, put in the mangled remains of the flowers, and gently patted dirt around them. I felt more like giving a eulogy than celebrating our accomplishment... they looked pathetic. Anyhoo, time to water them. I grabbed Elianna's Dora watering can, and ran into the house to get some water. I came out to discover that in the 30 seconds I was gone, Elianna had dug the flowers back out. We replanted the even more mangled remains, and I hung the flower box back on the playhouse. Elianna climbed up, and I reached up to hand her the watering can. Well, she's taking her sweet time getting it, and the whole time water is spilling out and running up my arm and all over me. "Just take the can so I can get a picture!!" I said in a sweet, motherly voice. (Something like that.) She grabs it and tips it upside down, emptying the contents in about... 4 seconds. Now, it takes 6 seconds for my camera to turn on and focus, so I snatch the can away and run back in the house. I come out to find her digging merrily in the muddy flower box, splashing mud all over herself, the playhouse, and anything else within three feet. I hand her the watering can, and tell her to water s-l-o-w-l-y so I can get a picture. She dumps it all out again in about... 4 seconds. So, I tell her to pretend to water the flowers with the now-empty watering can, and I get a couple pictures that way. She then gets bored and runs off to play something else, while I have to hose down and wipe off all the mud tracked all over her playhouse. I give these poor flowers no more than a week or two to live, since I am sure she will try to dig them up or pick them the first chance she gets.

Oh well, it wasn't the beautiful bonding experience I had envisioned, but it got done, and Elianna had fun anyway!!!! Here are some pictures of the whole fun episode.

Playing with the flowers... even though Mommy said "No!"




Elianna's method of planting - also known as rip & dump


Digging our own potting soil


Putting the remains of the plants to rest




Pretending to water...

Feeling Icky

Both girls have been battling the sniffles (as the piles of tissues everywhere will attest to) and fighting a cough at night. For Selah, this means waking herself up all night, then figuring, "Hey, I'm up now! How about I nurse!" Last night her cough got worse and had that seal bark to it. I knew that sound, but called her doctor to be sure... yep, it's croup. So, needless to say, I am a bit crabby from not having more than two or three hours of consecutive sleep for the last few days!! (Not to mention, Chad went out of town for what turned out to be their worst couple days. Hmmm... could he have planned that!??!) But, on a positive note, Selah is no longer running more than a low-grade fever and Elianna seems to be on the upswing. Hopefully we will all be feeling better in the next few days!!!!

Grandma's Blog is Back!!

Hooray! Grandma was able to get her blog back up and running, so now she can document her adventures with Elianna. (I've added the link in "Other Blogs I Like.")

Carnival!

Elianna went to her first carnival today. Like most carnivals, it was over-priced, loud and obnoxious. Naturally, she loved it! Here is a clip of her first carnival ride:



She has such a serious look on her face, but she was actually really enjoying herself. Next was her all-time favorite, the carousel. She was so upset when the ride ended that the operator let her ride it again free! (You know how pathetic she can be.) There were a lot of tears when it ended, this was by far the one she enjoyed most. I think she would have ridden it all night if we'd have let her.



Selah was unimpressed with the whole ordeal. It was too chilly and loud for her liking. (She's definitely not the adventurous socialite that her sister is!)

It Could Always Be Worse...

My cousin Jess sent me this story, and it was just so funny (and something I could definitely relate to!!!) I just have to share it. I'm not sure the source - it's just one of those e-mail stories.

So, we had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently died. Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around, sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this mat in our bathroom.Well, we have 3 kids, and at the time of this story they were 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done. Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood. We finally have the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere, and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my chapstick very carefully to Jack's . . . rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said "chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right--their little butts do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. And the only question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth. And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your chapstick on the cat's butt.

Visit to the Park!!

I have lived in this town for almost 10 years now, and I just discovered a park about a mile or two from my house! (It's not signed very well, in my defense.) I decided to go check it out today, and Nana Vella joined us. Much of it had been newly remodeled, with new bathrooms and a new (big and cool) play structure as well. There was even a small beach area, and I had to squelch my extreme aversion to our local lake water and let Elianna drag my mom up and down the length of the beach. (Ew! Sorry, but that lake is just icky.) It was very HOT HOT HOT at the play structure we stopped at. Mom and I thought we were just wimps, since the high today was supposedly 78, but when we got home the radio announced it was nearly 90 degrees today! That explains why we all got heat exhaustion. We had loads of fun, though, eating a picnic lunch and taking turns wrestling, I mean, holding Selah, or being at Elianna's beckon and call.

ABOUT THE SOCKS - The reason my daughter's bright red socks are pulled up in such a dorky way is NOT just to give her evidence to show her therapist later in life. For some reason, no matter how many layers of sunscreen I slathered on her, her calves were getting really red. It was either pull the socks up, look like a dork, and keep playing, or else go home. So no calling the fashion police on me!!! (And technically, it was Nana's idea!!)

On to the pictures, which is all you really care about, right?!?

The play structure we stopped at: (There were a couple in the park.)


No, Nana's not hiding, she's tickling Selah's back to make her smile.


Just Chillin' (or trying to in the sweltering heat.)


The closest thing they had to baby swings were these handicap-accessible swings. Both girls thought they were pretty cool.


The slide is always a favorite


Elianna met a friend, and they liked the "train" as they called it. There was a crank you could turn (you can't see it in the picture), and this platform would move back and forth.




Whenever we would say, "Soooo cute!" Selah would tilt her head to the side like she was trying to be coy.


Is that an adorable baby or what!?!?

Sorry! No Video Clip...

Okay, I worked off and on ALL DAY yesterday trying to upload the video clip... all to no avail. WAAHH! (I'm crying more about the wasted time than anything.) I might try to edit it, but don't hold your breath. So, please accept my apology. Here are a couple snapshots of the ceremony:

Selah's Dedication Day

**I'm still working on the video clip - I'm having some technical difficulties...*

We dedicated Selah to the Lord on Mother's Day, May 13th. For anyone not familiar with the Baptist dedication ceremony, I'll give a brief synopsis. (The audio is very faint on the video clip, so it's hard to hear what's going on.) We stood before the church and promised to the best of our ability to raise Selah to, first of all, encourage her to come to know Christ as her personal Savior, and then to serve Him in whatever capacity He calls her to. Our pastor also asked anyone to stand who would also pledge to be a support to both us and our children in this endeavour. Everyone stood, which you can see on the video clip. He then prayed the dedication prayer. At the beginning of the ceremony, before the video clip starts, Pastor gave Selah a rose bud in a vase. Well, Elianna pipes up (loudly) "La-la hode sissy's fawah!" (Elianna hold Sissy's flower.) She then held it nicely through the rest of the ceremony. I was actually surprised how well behaved they both ended up being!!! Aside from a couple polite waves and a brief stint of nose-picking from Elianna, she just stood there good as gold. Selah was more interested in Pastor's voice and the little cross pin on his lapel than anything else. It is a brief and simple ceremony, but it is our way of letting everyone know how seriously we take our role as parents. It can get overwhelming sometimes, but it is a comfort to know we will have God and our faith to help guide us.

Here are some pictures:

Elianna leaving for the church - complete with bandaged forehead. I tried to take it off for the pictures, but it was all red and puffy... I figured the bandage was the lesser of the two evils.

A couple family pictures.

A Four Generation Picture - We got this same picture with Elianna. It's so special to have four generations of Christians in our family!

Oh, how things change...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

This used to be a holiday I dreaded. Although I love my mom dearly, it was always a time when my own lack of children was especially poignant to me. Last year was technically my first Mother's Day with children, but as many of you know I was in the midst of my VEEEERY difficult pregnancy. At the time, it was just another day of barfing, dehydration, and a myriad of other miseries.

This year was different, though. I was healthy and I was able to really fully appreciate my two beautiful princesses. To top it off, we dedicated Selah in the evening service. (Pictures and hopefully a video clip to follow once I take the time to upload them...) Elianna even made me an adorable, hand-decorated flower pot at the mall, complete with a snapdragon in it. (And she even managed not to kill it before she gave it to me!!!) I just can't believe how quickly my life has changed. When in the midst of the adoption, we were hoping to have a baby by Christmas of 2005 (which we did - we brought Elianna home in August). If we had only known we would have TWO babies by Christmas of 2006!!! Life never turns out the way we plan. You know what? I like it better that way!

Reflections

Not For Sale!!!

I'm a little late uploading these pictures from our yard sale, but they're too cute to pass up...

First Sippy Cup!

*DISCLAIMER*
This is my first time including a video link, and I can't figure out how to flip it. So YES, the first video is sideways. Also, no laughing at my nasally voice. I can't help it - it always sounds like that on recordings!!!!
*END DISCLAIMER*

Well, we were sure surprised!!! Selah acts like you are trying to force poison down her throat if you offer her a bottle... but when we offered her a sippy cup for the first time, she took to the cup right away! It was just lukewarm water, but she was growling like a tiger cub when she couldn't figure out how to get more water out. She spent a long time just gnawing on the cup, and she needed help tipping it up. On the second video, you can hear the way she growls. She does this all the time when she is frustrated - it's so funny to hear someone so pretty make such a scary noise!







Here are the video links:

First Sippy Cup


Growling Baby